CD4 T lymphocytes from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have decreased interferon-gamma production and increased sensitivity to dexamethasone.
A disturbed hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland axis and alterations at the immune system level have been observed in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Glucocorticoids are known to modulate T cell responses; therefore, purified CD4 T cells from CFS patients were studied to determine whether they have an altered sensitivity to dexamethasone (DEX). CD4 T cells from CFS patients produced less interferon-gamma than did cells from controls; by contrast, interleukin-4 production and cell proliferation were comparable. With CD4 T cells from CFS patients (compared with cells from controls), a 10- to 20-fold lower DEX concentration was needed to achieve 50% inhibition of interleukin-4 production and proliferation, indicating an increased sensitivity to DEX in CFS patients. Surprisingly, interferon-gamma production in patients and controls was equally sensitive to DEX. A differential sensitivity of cytokines or CD4 T cell subsets to glucocorticoids might explain an altered immunologic function in CFS patients.
Visser
J
J
Division of Immunological and Infectious Diseases, TNO Prevention and Health, Leiden Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, The Netherlands.
Blauw
B
B
Hinloopen
B
B
Brommer
E
E
de Kloet
E R
ER
Kluft
C
C
Nagelkerken
L
L
D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000276:immunology*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D015847:Interleukin-4; D003907:Dexamethasone; D007371:Interferon-gamma